“It’s a big honour to be selected for this award,” Suzuki said in a release. “I pride myself on being a good player by sticking to my game and staying away from taking penalties, and also being a good teammate and someone who is well respected on the ice.”

He is the first member of the Owen Sound Attack to receive the award.

“The whole organization is extremely proud of Nick,” Attack General Manager Dale DeGray said. “He’s an elite player in an amazing league that has the respect of not only his teammates but his peers. From the moment he joined the Attack, Nick has approached and played the game the right way and there is no more deserving player for this award than him.”

The William Hanley Trophy is selected each year by the 20 OHL general managers. All 20 teams submit a nominee, but are not permitted to vote for their own candidate. Players receive five points for a first-place vote, three points for a second-place vote, and one point for a third-place vote.

Suzuki led voting by receiving 74 voting points, 21 more than the second-place Jason Robertson of the Kingston Frontenacs.

Robert Thomas, also eligible for the 2017 draft, finished third with 18 voting points.